Janet Walker

Janet Walker was interviewed for this project because of her combined time both as a student studying at the University of Winnipeg and as am employee working with the president and Board of Regents.

Janet Walker is one of four girls, born to parents living in Winnipeg’s East Kildonan neighborhood. She attended Neil Campbell Elementary, John Henderson Junior High, and Miles MacDonnell Collegiate before enrolling at the University of Winnipeg in 1974. Her parents encouraged her education from an early age, and set aside money to help her pay for her tuition, which she says was crucial in allowing her to spend time on campus and be as heavily involved in campus life and activities as she was.

During her time as a student, Janet was heavily involved with student government and campus life, maintaining the position of Secretary on the University of Winnipeg’s Student Association and assisting with coordinating rallies, student dances, elections, and other campus activities. In 1975 she participated in a conference called “Women in Universities” which she and another student attended on behalf of the University of Winnipeg and she says opened her eyes to the feminist movement. However, while there were services available on campus that related to women’s issues and feminism, she was largely unaware of any large-scale conflicts or issues which took place while she was on campus.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1978, Janet went to work as a recruiter for Red River College, but was contacted by the then-President Dr. Harry Duckworth in 1978 to return to her alma mater and begin coordinating an entrance scholarship program which was in the process of being initiated by the university. After managing this successful initiative for two years, Janet moved to the position of Public Relations Coordinator at the University of Winnipeg, and has been heaving involved with fundraising through leading roles at various foundations throughout Winnipeg, such as the her role as Executive Director of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, and as Executive Director of Tourism Winnipeg. She also worked with Susan Thompson to create the University of Winnipeg Foundation. Currently, Janet operates a consulting firm, Janet Walker Consulting.